Looking to get a winch soon. Wondering if synthetic is the way to go? Is it really much lighter? How does it wear over the years? What are good brands?

I've seen Viking for under $200 and Warn for $600. Do you get what you pay for? Or is Warn more expensive because of the name?

 

I think the synethtic is 100% worth it. I think its about 20+/- lighter. so nothing crazy significant.
My winch weighs in at about 69 lbs installed. including fairlead.
its not uncommon to have winches weight 100 lbs.

the safety, and ease of use is completely worth it. if you take care of it, it will last. get a cover for it, and dont let it sit in direct sun for years and it will be fine

the viking lines are solid. its what came stock with my superwinch. I have never heard anything about the warn lines. It better be kick ass for $600

 

With Warn, you definitely get what you pay for.

But, lots of people are going with lower priced alternatives and having very good luck with them. Just be sure to check the warranty policy before buying, so you aren't paying for a 'throw-away' winch.


My Warn 9.5 has been hanging off the front of my 4x4's for 11 years now and is still pulling strong. I can honestly say that I would not expect that kind of reliability from the low-cost, no-name alternatives out there. Just be honest with yourself regarding your budget and usage, and then make your decision.

 

oh yeah, synth is totally the way to go. or, at least for me anyway. it's lighter, it's stronger, it floats and if it were to break, it'll just drop to the ground thus, making it a lot safer

i run a viking with a safety thimble and have used it extensively over the last 3 years

 

If you can spring for it, get a synthetic line. I just got my Superwinch LP10000 and will be ordering a synthetic line next month. I used to have one on a four wheeler I used to have. It is safe, and mine floated, which was pretty darned handy!

As for brands, stay with a name brand of your choice. I am a believer in "you get what you pay for", but each of us have a dollar amount we wish to spend. Good luck and have fun.

 

Just found this- Recon 10,500
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...e-own-Comments

Looks like a killer deal from the price

 

Isn't Viking line just AMSteel Blue line with a couple of add on's or is it a totally different line?

 

I am planning on throwing an XRC 8 and probly running a synth line on my 2 Door JK. 34's and a 2.5 lift. Will that 8 be good? I think my jeep weights around 4500?

Thanks

 

This quote from the "Winches In Hell" article pretty much sums it up.


The article isn't all inclusive, but is some good reading, and seems fairly un-biased given the number of different people that were there reviewing the winches...

 

I think synth cable is more than 20% lighter than equivalent steel. Regardless, I did measure my steel winch cable and roller fairlead, and my synthetic cable and Hawser--30 pounds saved. That's pretty noteworthy on the front bumper. Some folks prefer to run a roller fairlead with the synth--just make sure you have undamaged rollers to avoid damaging the cable.